Communications Officer

We are delighted to working on a superb, newly created role working within one of the most prestigious employers; in the UK in the role of Communications Officer.

Overview

Our client is seeking a dynamic Communications Officer to join its Development and Alumni Engagement team. They will be an enthusiastic self-starter, excited to work in a dynamic environment with a varied workload.

The Communications Officer will report to the Head of Development Operations and will work closely with the college’s Communications team. They will be responsible for developing and delivering a comprehensive and effective communication plan to engage alumni, and prospective donors and supporters.

The Communications Officer will be responsible for creating alumni- and supporter- related content for email communications, the college website and social media as well as helping to create marketing materials for campaigns and other projects.

Key roles and responsibilities

• Write and edit monthly alumni newsletter, termly stewardship newsletter and a range of fundraising and event-related communications.
• Work with the Director of Communications to review, develop and maintain a range of email templates.
• Work with Head of Development Operations to increase engagement using segmented E communications to identified audiences.
• Use the Development and Alumni Relations System (DARS, the university-wide database) to send bulk emails
• Review, develop plans for and then implement changes to the alumni, legacy and giving pages on the college website.
• Ensure that the alumni and giving pages on the college website are regularly updated.
• Work alongside the Digital Communications Officer in the Communications team in support of social media, specifically around graduations and alumni and supporter engagement activities.
• Source, write and edit lively news and updates for the global network of alumni and supporters.
  • Support the Director of Communications with the production of the college’s annual flagship Observatory magazine.
  • Support the development and production of fundraising marketing materials, including around campaigns and regular giving activities.
  • Take and solicit photographs of and from alumni and supporters.

• Maintain accurate records of communications activities.
• Monitor and analyse the effectiveness of alumni and support communications, providing regular reports and recommendations for improvement
• Regular working outside of normal hours is required, in support of departmental and college events. This will include; graduations, alumni socials, formal dinners and fundraising events. TOIL will be given.
• Take an active role in the development and alumni engagement team by contributing to wider departmental plans and strategy as appropriate.
• Build strong working relationships with the Director of Communications, Digital Communications Officer and other colleagues across the college staff.
• Participate actively in relevant networks, both within the university and externally, and be alert to new developments in alumni and supporter communications.

Person Specification

• Educated to degree level, or equivalent professional experience.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills to produce material for a range of audiences and purposes
• Ability to remain calm and maintain a high level of attention to detail, including when working under pressure
• Strong interpersonal skills, including an ability to navigate competing priorities across departments
• Bright with inquiring mind and interested in profile of college and its related activitiesHighly motivated and able to work independently with an inquisitive, logical, pro-active approach to problem solving, and as part of a multi-functional team.
  • Strong IT skills across the Microsoft Office suite.
  • Organised and able to prioritise.
  • Comfortable with shifting priorities, a need to be flexible, and ‘mucking in’ with a range of activities.
  • Able to deal with confidential matters and act with discretion
  • Experience of and/or confidence taking and editing photos
  • Willing and able to attend events and to work outside standard office hours

• Experience editing websites
• Understanding and experience of bulk email production and distribution
• Knowledge of data protection, copyright and website accessibility issues
• Experience of working in a fundraising environment or team

INDH